Posted on 04/22/2024 12:23:54 PM PDT by Red Badger
The team concentrated effort into optimizing four vital systems: fuel supply, air intake, combustion, and friction reduction.
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Since the invention of the diesel internal combustion engine 127 years ago, engineers and scientists have strived to improve its thermal efficiency.
In a markable advancement, the first diesel engine in history with an intrinsic thermal efficiency of 53.09 percent was unveiled by Chinese firm Weichai Power.
The firm showcased its new technology at the 2024 World Congress on Internal Combustion Engines, which commenced in Tianjin, China.
The accomplishment was recognized by TÜV SÜD, an internationally respected testing organization, and the China Automotive Technology & Research Center, a specialized testing entity for Chinese internal combustion engines.
Leading efficiency innovation
The percentage of diesel combustion energy transferred into useful engine output work without needing a waste heat recovery mechanism is known as the base engine’s thermal efficiency. The engine’s economy improves with the base engine’s increased thermal efficiency.
Weichai Power achieved a noteworthy milestone in this regard on September 16, 2020, when it unveiled a diesel engine that set a new record with a body thermal efficiency of 50.23 percent.
On January 8, 2022, the business made even more progress, raising the engine’s thermal efficiency to 51.09 percent. The company most recently achieved 52.28 percent thermal efficiency on November 20, 2022, surpassing its prior records.
The firm compared to mainstream products, which typically achieve an average thermal efficiency of 46 percent for diesel engines on the market. Deploying thermal efficiency technology in base engines with a 52.28 percent thermal efficiency can lead to a significant 12 percent reduction in both fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
Fine-tuning existing technologies
Weichai Power’s research team built on its prior successes by investing over 500 days of concentrated effort into optimizing four vital systems: fuel supply, air intake, combustion, and friction reduction.
The team effectively advanced high-expansion combustion, mixed-flow pressurization, high-efficiency fuel injection, and low-resistance friction-reducing technologies.
A significant milestone was reached due to these advancements, which were attained by little advances of 0.1 percent at a time. The attempt lead to the engine breaking through the 53 percent thermal efficiency barrier for the first time globally. Researchers claim the achievement is comparable to a human running a 100-meter race in under nine seconds.
During this research and development phase, the group received 176 invention patents and 68 utility model patents.
Decreased fuel consumption
Upgrading from a thermal efficiency level of 45–46 percent to 53 percent can increase a diesel engine’s economy by about 14 percent. This figure is based on current estimates of diesel engine ownership in China.
This innovation results in yearly fuel savings of about 31 million tons and a decrease in carbon emissions of 97 million tons.
A heavy-duty tractor with a yearly mileage of 155,342 miles (250,000 kilometers) can save about 12,000 gallons of diesel fuel thanks to this technology. This results in an annual savings of almost $13,529 (98,000 yuan) for the owner, given the market price of diesel fuel at $1.08 (7.8 yuan) per liter.
According to the team, this technical breakthrough will benefit not only transportation but also other industries, such as construction machinery, agricultural equipment, ships, and power generation equipment, among others, adding new benefits.
Crap! I just ordered a 2024 GMC Sierra with the 3.0L Duramax diesel and now this comes along.
Ok, if “collectivism” is what determines it, how come US drones in the Ukraine are outclassed by Chinese drones in performance, durability and cost ?
original WSJ story. https://www.wsj.com/world/how-american-drones-failed-to-turn-the-tide-in-ukraine-b0ebbac3
According to you, American Freedumbs should make US drones unbeatable compared to “Collectivist” China.
Fact is, it is more important is having TEN times as many engineering students studying six days a week, vs a dumbed-down curriculum poisoned by DEI and wokeness, and subverting the efforts of both students and faculty.
The ones who study and learn real stuff are the ones who will win. “Collectivist” or not.
This sounds good but at what cost? Can this thermal efficiency be achieved while being mass producesd? I don’t think so. And yes, I think these ideas were stolen by the Chinese.
This assumes that none of the efficiencies become degraded under regular wear and tear.
+1 for thermo.
+1 for world-class pun.
Heheh. There you go again. Constructing straw men so you have something to say.
According to you, American Freedumbs should make US drones unbeatable compared to “Collectivist” China.You keep inserting this into the thread for some reason. Strange.
I never made such a comment nor has anyone else. You just keep babbling on about it.
What gives? President Biden, is that you?
It's almost impossible to do it while still meeting EPA particulate and NOx emissions standards.
Take away the Particulate filters and EGRs from today's diesel engines like the Ford Powerstroke or GM Duramax, and you gain 10-15% efficiency as well as increasing reliability by getting rid of failure points like a plugged EGR cooler that kills engines.
Jijo Journalist needs to learn a bit about conversions. It saves about $4 per gallon or almost $50g a year.
I'd love to see someone build a hybrid electric vehicle using battery banks and an aircraft APU driving a generator.
The APU kicks in and recharges the batteries when necessary, running at its peak efficiency.
How much do gas turbines cost compared to a diesel with equivalent peak power ?
I know jet engines are really expensive. And even more expensive as efficiency goes up, because the materials and production methods to take the higher temperatures are $$$$$.
Killjoy.
I am a low tech simple solutions guy.
I’m still amazed that Rover and Chrysler, as well as GM put so much money and effort into turbine cars, when the cost and fuel efficiency issues had to be well known.
.
Don't forget Ford also dabbled in turbine power for semis.
Looks like there was a GM truck effort as well.
https://www.macsmotorcitygarage.com/turbine-dream-truck-1966-chevrolet-turbo-titan-iii/
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